The Territory Government has pledged to invest $5 million over four years to fund multiple projects to bridge the transition to renewable energy, with a focus on renewable hydrogen.

Part of the $5 million funding will be spent to upgrade the skills of the local workforce; infrastructure and land planning; establishing standards and guidelines for the manufacture, transportation, storage and use of hydrogen; and “community education”.

The fund will also be used to establish early commercial opportunities within the hydrogen industry.

Some of the companies with projects in the Territory include Aqua Aerem’s Desert Bloom project in Tennant Creek and Global Energy Ventures on the Tiwi Islands. These companies are expected to start exporting shipments by 2026 to international markets.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said her government is committed to the development of the renewable industry with the aim of opening opportunities for the Territory.

“We are hunting every opportunity to accelerate the development of the renewable hydrogen industry and making sure the Territory is ready and poised as a competitive investment destination,” Ms Fyles said.

The government said it is relying on high international interest in renewable hydrogen.

“Our government is developing a green hydrogen industry because it is a clean, sustainable and secure source of renewable energy that will benefit all Territorians,” Minister for Renewables and Energy Selena Uibo said.